In one direction, Tata Motors India (NYSE: TTM) is bidding on Ford's Jaguar and Land Rover divisions, spurring sell offs from top holders such as A.S. Thiyaga Rajan, manager of $250 million at Singapore-based Aquarius Investment Advisors Pte., who dropped 99% of shares. . . and he's not alone.
The purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover could cost as much $1.7 billion, four times their 2007 earnings, cutting 2009 per-share profit by 42%.
This has spurred fears echoed by parent Tata Group owner, Ratan Tata.
However, the 70 year-old chairman rejects the notion that Tata is overreaching their Indian market with such investments. . .
"We're not trying to be a global player. We will grow internationally in select markets."
That was said January 10, with the unveiling of the new, $2,500 Nano, the design that is pulling Tata Motors back to its roots - affordable transportation for the world's 2nd fastest growing population of one billion, and consequently, one of the largest demands for automotive transportation.
And while Tata Motors spokesman Debasis Ray said, "we are very satisfied with the progress of discusions," in response to questions about the Jaguar and Land Rover takeover, I am personally more excited about their developments in the Nano and MDI Air Car.
Tata Motors Nano
The Nano, in my opinion more or less two motorcycles spliced together, is a ten foot long - about the size of the original Mini Cooper -- four door car powered by a twin cylinder, 624 cc, 33 horsepower engine that gets about 54 mpg.
Of course, at $2,500 you can't expect much more than getting to point B from A. There will be none of the amenities that so many in the U.S. And Europe have grown accustomed to.
That's right, you can kiss your power steering, radio, air conditioning, power windows and any other frills good bye in the name of cheap thrills.
Aside from looking to luxury and bare bones markets, Tata Motors is also shooting for zero emission dominance with their Moteur Developpement International Air Car partnership.
As I reported in my previous article, MDI Air Car, fears of later production are unwarranted, as it is now being built and will be ready for India at the end of this year and could possibly hit the U.S. In 2010.
Tata Motors has a lot going for them, with or without the acquisition of Ford's luxury branches, so stay tuned to Green Chip Stocks and Green Chip International where my colleague Sam Hopkins will give his two cents on Tata Motors stock and how to profit.
Keep your hopes in the future but your sense in the present. . .
Field Palmer
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